Getting your residential strata building EV charger ready

As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular. With the Australian government pushing for the adoption of electric cars, it's only a matter of time before we see a significant increase in the number of EVs on our roads.

As a property owner, you have the power to make a positive impact on the environment by preparing your residential strata building for EV charging. In this post, we'll take a look at how you can make your building EV-ready in New South Wales (NSW).

Firstly, it's important to note that the most cost-effective and logical choice for EV charger installation is Level 2 charging. This type of charging allows for faster charging times and is the most widely used charging standard in Australia. With Level 2 charging, you can fully charge an EV in just a few hours.

The NSW government has introduced a program called "Electric Vehicle Ready" to help strata buildings prepare for EV charging. Under this program, strata buildings can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to cover the cost of installing EV charging infrastructure.

To apply for the grant, you'll need to follow a few steps. Firstly, you'll need to assess the electrical capacity of your building to determine if it can handle the installation of EV charging infrastructure. You'll need to hire a licensed electrician to carry out this assessment.

If your building has the necessary electrical capacity, you'll then need to determine the number and type of EV charging stations that will be required. The number of charging stations required will depend on the size of your building and the number of parking spaces available.

It's also important to consider the placement of the charging stations. Ideally, charging stations should be located in a visible and accessible location, such as near the entrance or in a well-lit area. You'll need to consult with a licensed electrician and an experienced EV charger installer to determine the best location for your charging stations.

Once you've determined the number and location of the charging stations, you'll need to obtain quotes from licensed installers. It's recommended that you obtain at least three quotes to ensure that you're getting a competitive price.

When selecting an installer, it's important to choose one that has experience installing EV charging infrastructure. Look for installers who are accredited by the Electric Vehicle Council or have completed training through the Clean Energy Council.

Once you've selected an installer, you'll need to submit an application for the "Electric Vehicle Ready" grant. The grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's important to apply as soon as possible.

If your application is successful, you'll receive the grant money to cover the cost of installing the EV charging infrastructure. The grant can cover up to 50% of the total cost, up to a maximum of $5,000.

It's important to note that even if your building isn't eligible for the "Electric Vehicle Ready" grant, you can still install EV charging infrastructure. You'll just need to cover the cost yourself.

Installing EV charging infrastructure in your residential strata building is not only a great way to help the environment, but it can also increase the value of your property. With more and more people switching to electric cars, having EV charging infrastructure in your building can be a real selling point.

If you're still unsure about how to make your building EV-ready, consider reaching out to the team at AutomateOn.

Preparing your residential strata building for EV charging is a smart investment that will benefit both the environment and your property value. By following the steps outlined above, you can make your building EV-ready and help tenants transition to EVs with conidence.